410-481-1570

April 11, 2007 |

In the NFL, timing is everything. So many have speculated about the League delaying the release of the 2007 schedule. Some have said an overseas pre-season game has caused it and some have even suggested there being a conspiracy theory behind it to assist the Indianapolis Colts in winning it all again. I don’t buy into either.

Think about this. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in the midst of dealing with a few situations that could have possibly jeopardized the league’s popularity.

The NFL is the greatest game in America because it identifies with all of us. It’s colorful, fast pace, and easy on your attention span. On top of that, it’s considered to be the ultimate team sport. The players wear helmets and are, for the most part, identified with their teams more so than with a face.

With the legal problems of players such as Adam “Pac Man” Jones and Chris Henry, the NFL was put at a crossroads of its disciplinary policy. The Commissioner had to do something to show his customers that this conduct would not be tolerated. True to NFL form, Mr. Goodell made sure he had his “I’s” dotted and his “T’” crossed before he responded.

Now ask yourself, where does the 2007 schedule fall on the list of priorities if you were the Commissioner? How can you fan base truly get excited with anticipation of the upcoming 2007 season, with such a gray cloud hanging over the season?

I don’t believe it was a coincidence that Roger Goodell delayed the release of the 2007 NFL schedule until after the decisions on the disciplinary actions of both Jones and Henry were decided. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Now, let’s get down to business.”

It’s typical NFL. Timing has been everything for this league. For well over a decade, the NFL has been making right move after right move and this is yet another right move. Jones is suspended without pay for the 2007 season, and Henry is suspended for eight games without pay. The message is sent to other players in the league. The message is that this type of conduct will not be tolerated.

Now, we can all wait, like kids at Christmas for the NFL schedule. What other league has our attention for an event such as releasing its schedule? So let’s wait and see how the West Coast swing will be tackled by our beloved Ravens.

By the way, text “WNST” to 68255 and be among the first to know the Ravens schedule. Nestor has been notorious in getting the schedule before our competitors. As soon as we get it, you’ll get it.